The enduring friendship between Ciarán Hinds and Liam Neeson, two of Ireland’s most celebrated actors, stretches back to the tentative beginnings of their careers. Hinds recently shared a glimpse into the origins of their bond, recalling a formative trip to Holland in their late teens that laid the groundwork for a lifelong connection. This early experience, coupled with shared roles and decades of mutual support, speaks to a rare and lasting camaraderie in the often-transient world of acting.
Speaking on Friday’s The Late Late Show, Hinds described the pair as “very naïve and gauche” as they embarked on their first journey outside of Ireland. The trip, undertaken around 1979 or 1980, was part of a theatre workshop program designed to bring together young performers from across Europe. “We were about seventeen or eighteen, leaving Ireland for the first time to meet other Europeans to do theatre and workshops,” Hinds explained to host Patrick Kielty. “That’s where we bonded.” The experience, he suggested, was pivotal in shaping their early artistic sensibilities and forging a connection that would withstand the test of time.
Their paths crossed again professionally shortly after, landing both actors roles in John Boorman’s 1981 epic Excalibur. The film, a visually stunning retelling of the Arthurian legend, featured a cast that would turn into synonymous with British and Irish acting excellence, including Helen Mirren and Patrick Stewart. Hinds, with a characteristic self-deprecating laugh, noted that Excalibur marked his and Neeson’s first foray into film. “That was both of our first films. Liam had a lot more lines than I did – which was probably a good thing,” he quipped.
The depth of their friendship was recently on full display at the 2023 Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTAs), where Hinds was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Neeson’s tribute took the form of a somewhat unconventional fashion statement: a T-shirt emblazoned with Hinds’ face. The gesture, as Hinds revealed, was the brainchild of Neeson’s son, Danny. “Two years ago, we were there at Christmas, as we do every year, and Danny had these T-shirts made without my knowledge,” Hinds recounted. The surprise unfolded during the family’s annual Christmas Eve tree-decorating ritual. “Christmas Eve comes, and there’s a ritual of dressing the tree. I’m last down, but they are all down in these T-shirts, but I don’t know this. So I start dressing the tree, and it took about ten or fifteen minutes of pointing and sniggering for me to say, ‘What is wrong with everybody?’ And I hadn’t seen that they were all wearing that T-shirt. That was, I guess, an early Christmas present, and that was revisited by Liam.”
A Lifetime of Recognition
The IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award, presented in Dublin on February 20, 2026, was a moment of profound significance for Hinds. He described the evening as “very humbling, and it’s also a great honour.” Hinds shared that he had brought his sisters from Belfast and welcomed his wife and daughter who traveled from Paris, making it a particularly warm and familial occasion. RTÉ reported on the event, highlighting the outpouring of support for the veteran actor.
Looking Ahead: The Dry and The Three Urns
Hinds’ career continues to flourish with a diverse range of projects. He offered a preview of the final series of RTÉ One’s popular comedy-drama, The Dry. “The final third series is coming out April/May. Nancy Harris has written it all herself, and she’s taken the time to fulfil everyone’s journey and end with a flourish,” he said, suggesting a satisfying conclusion for the show’s devoted audience. The series, known for its sharp wit and compelling characters, has become a staple of Irish television.
Audiences will also soon see Hinds in the Irish road movie, The Three Urns, set to be released in cinemas on April 17. According to RTÉ Entertainment, the film promises a unique and engaging cinematic experience. Hinds’ involvement adds further weight to a project already generating considerable buzz within the Irish film industry.
The story of Ciarán Hinds and Liam Neeson is more than just a tale of two successful actors; it’s a testament to the power of early connections and the enduring strength of friendship. From their shared naiveté on a youthful trip to Holland to the playful tributes exchanged at awards ceremonies, their bond remains a constant throughout their remarkable careers. Fans of both actors can look forward to seeing Hinds on screen in The Three Urns this April, and the final series of The Dry in the coming months.
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